NRRA PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TEAM
Asphalt Mix Rejuvenators
A pooled fund project administered by the Minnesota Department of Transportation
Report No. NRRA202002
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Technical Report Documentation Page 1. Report No. 2. 3. Recipients Accession No.
NRRA202002 4. Title and Subtitle 5. Report Date
Asphalt Mix Rejuvenators Synthesis May 2020 6.
7. Author(s) 8. Performing Organization Report No.
Andrea Blanchette, Sheue Torng Lee, Tom Wood 9. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Project/Task/Work Unit No.
WSB 701 Xenia Ave. So. Minneapolis, MN 55416
11. Contract (C) or Grant (G) No.
(C) 1033924
12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Address 13. Type of Report and Period Covered
National Road Research Alliance Minnesota Department of Transportation 395 John Ireland Boulevard, MS 330 St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-1899
Final Report 14. Sponsoring Agency Code
15. Supplementary Notes
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/mnroad/nrra/structure-teams/flexible/mix-rejuvenator-synthesis.html http://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/reports/2020/NRRA202002.pdf 16. Abstract (Limit: 250 words)
In recent years, the asphalt industry has seen an increase in using reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in new asphalt concrete pavements. Rejuvenating additives are incorporated into asphalt mixes to neutralize the effects of using higher percentages of RAP and RAS in new asphalt concrete pavements. The implementation of incorporating rejuvenating agents in high-RAP or RAS asphalt mixes has led to the evaluation of their capability to restore the properties of aged binder to a condition that is similar to virgin asphalt binders. There are two major types of rejuvenators used: petroleum-based rejuvenators and bio-based rejuvenators. The purpose of this project is to compile a synthesis of current practices being used by the states and industries in the area of mix rejuvenators. This synthesis provides the state of practice in the National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) member states and will be used as guidance for the NRRA’s Asphalt Mix Rejuvenator Field Section research that was in the contracting stage as of March 2020. This synthesis includes a summary of experiences from various agencies and industries on the use of asphalt mix rejuvenators. A literature review was performed and includes but is not limited to the type of rejuvenators used, dosage rate, method of blending the rejuvenators with the RAP and/or RAS, percentage of RAP and/or RAS used, and type of testing conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a rejuvenator.
17. Document Analysis/Descriptors 18. Availability Statement
Asphalt mixtures, Asphalt additives, Blending, Reclaimed asphalt pavements, Recycled materials, Binders
No restrictions. Document available from: National Technical Information Services, Alexandria, Virginia 22312
19. Security Class (this report) 20. Security Class (this page) 21. No. of Pages 22. Price
Unclassified Unclassified 26
Asphalt Mix Rejuvenators
FINAL REPORT
Prepared for:
NRRA Flexible Team
Prepared by:
Andrea Blanchette, P.E.
Sheue Torng Lee
Tom Wood
WSB
May 2020
This report represents the results of research conducted by the authors and does not necessarily represent the views or policies
of the Minnesota Department of Transportation or WSB. This report does not contain a standard or specified technique.
The authors, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and WSB do not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or
manufacturers’ names appear herein solely because they are considered essential to this report.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank the Technical Liaison and all the Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) members who
provided assistance and guidance throughout the project. We would also like to thank all the NRRA
agency members, and the industry for completing the survey and providing information on the asphalt
mix rejuvenators.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: Background ....................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Impetus for this NRRA Flex Team Research ....................................................................................... 2
1.2.1 NRRA Members Involved ............................................................................................................ 2
1.2.2 Impetus........................................................................................................................................ 2
CHAPTER 2: Survey Results .................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Agency Responses .............................................................................................................................. 3
2.1.1 Asphalt Mix Rejuvenators Experience ......................................................................................... 3
2.1.2 Type of Products Used ................................................................................................................ 4
2.1.3 Maximum Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Allowed . 5
2.2 Industry Responses ............................................................................................................................. 8
2.2.1 Type of Products ......................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Incorporation of Rejuvenators in Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) and Reclaimed Asphalt
Pavement (RAP) .................................................................................................................................. 10
2.2.3 Performance Measurements .................................................................................................... 10
2.2.4 Aging Information Provided by Manufacturers ........................................................................ 10
CHAPTER 3: Literature Review ........................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Rejuvenator Dosage Selection .......................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Blending Method .............................................................................................................................. 11
3.3 Evaluation of Rejuvenated Asphalt Performance ............................................................................. 12
3.3.1 Asphalt Laboratory Aging Protocol ........................................................................................... 12
3.3.2 Asphalt Rheological Properties ................................................................................................. 13
3.3.3 Stiffness, Rutting, and Moisture Resistance .............................................................................. 13
3.3.4 Reflective, Fatigue, and Low-Temperature Cracking Performance .......................................... 14
3.3.5 Field Study ................................................................................................................................. 15
REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................... 16
APPENDIX A: Contact Information of Manufacturers
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 Relevant experience on asphalt mix rejuvenators from different agencies. ................................ 3
Table 2.2 Type of rejuvenating products incorporated into the HMA mixes. .............................................. 4
Table 2.3 Maximum content of RAS and RAP allowed without incorporating rejuvenators. ...................... 6
Table 2.4 Type of products from various manufacturers. ............................................................................ 9
1
CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Asphalt binder is essentially composed of two main fractions, which are asphaltenes and maltenes.
Rostler and White asserted that asphaltenes are the stable component giving asphalt binder its
structure, while maltenes are more susceptible to oxidation but help the binder maintain flexibility and
strength. Due to exposure to sun, water, and air, the ratio of the contents of maltene to asphaltene
diminishes, which causes the asphalt pavement to be stiffer and brittle (cited in Bennert, Ericson, &
Pezeshki, 2015).
In recent years, the asphalt industry has seen an increase in the use of reclaimed asphalt pavements
(RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in new asphalt concrete pavements. This raises concern as
recycled mixes containing high-RAP or RAS, due to aging and oxidation, have a higher content of
asphaltenes and exhibit an increase in binder stiffness (Willis & Tran, 2015). Mogawer and others have
discovered that the high stiffness also contributes to difficulty in workability, which will cause the
pavement to exhibit low density and fail prematurely due to improper compaction (Haghshenas et al.,
2016). Hence, rejuvenating additives are incorporated into asphalt mixes to neutralize the effects of
using higher percentages of RAP and RAS in new asphalt concrete pavements.
The implementation of incorporating rejuvenating agents in high-RAP or RAS asphalt mixes have led to
the evaluation of their capability to restore the properties of aged binder to a condition that is similar to
virgin asphalt binders. Petroleum-based rejuvenators contain maltenes that reverse effects of aging by
balancing the ratio of maltenes to asphaltenes. Bio-based rejuvenators have advertised benefits
showing that bio-based products can be used with high RAP and RAS content mixes in an
environmentally friendly manner (Willis & Tran, 2015).
Prior to selecting any type of rejuvenator, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness in its level of
diffusion or penetration, as well as its stability (Bennert, Ericson, & Pezeshki, 2015). This can be
determined through different testing methods, which are covered in the literature review.
This synthesis includes a summary of experiences from various agencies and industries on the use of
asphalt mix rejuvenators. A literature review was performed and includes but is not limited to the type
of rejuvenators used, dosage rate, method of blending the rejuvenators with the RAP and/or RAS,
percentage of RAP and/or RAS used, and type of testing conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a
rejuvenator.
2
1.2 IMPETUS FOR THIS NRRA FLEX TEAM RESEARCH
1.2.1 NRRA Members Involved
The eight state agencies currently involved in the mix rejuvenators synthesis include the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Illinois Department of Transportation (DOT), Iowa DOT,
Michigan DOT, Minnesota DOT, Missouri DOT, North Dakota DOT, and Wisconsin DOT.
1.2.2 Impetus
The purpose of this project is to compile a synthesis of current practices used by the states and
industries in the area of mix rejuvenators. This synthesis provides the state of practice in the NRRA
member states and will be used as guidance for the NRRA’s Asphalt Mix Rejuvenator Field Section
research that was in the contracting stage as of March 2020.
3
CHAPTER 2: SURVEY RESULTS
An online survey was distributed across the agencies and industry to collect information on mix
rejuvenators.
The survey questions distributed were as follows.
1. Have you worked on any constructed roadways or test sections that included mix rejuvenators?
2. If yes, what type of products are being used?
3. What is the maximum amount of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) and reclaimed asphalt
pavement (RAP) allowed without the use of rejuvenators?
4. What is the maximum amount of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) and reclaimed asphalt
pavement (RAP) allowed with the use of rejuvenators?
5. Does your agency have any special provisions or specifications on mix rejuvenators?
6. Have any performance measures been conducted on the constructed roadways or test sections?
7. If yes, what type of performance measures have been collected?
2.1 AGENCY RESPONSES
Below is a summary of the responses received from agencies on the survey questions listed above in
2019.
2.1.1 Asphalt Mix Rejuvenators Experience
Limited experience was found among NRRA agency members. Seven member states responded to the
survey (Table 2.1) and only three states have experienced the use of rejuvenators in asphalt mixtures.
Table 2.1 Relevant experience on asphalt mix rejuvenators from different agencies.
Agency Relevant Experience
Caltrans No
Illinois DOT No
Michigan DOT No
Minnesota DOT Yes
Missouri DOT Yes
North Dakota DOT No
Wisconsin DOT Yes
4
2.1.2 Type of Products Used
Three agencies have incorporated different rejuvenating products as listed in Table 2.2, on a trial basis.
Minnesota DOT has tested Delta S® and Anova® 1815; Missouri DOT has tested Evoflex® CA and
Hydrogreen; Wisconsin DOT has tested Anova® 1815 on the National Cooperative Highway Research
Program (NCHRP) 9-58 project (Table 2.2).
Table 2.2 Type of rejuvenating products incorporated into the HMA mixes.
Agency Type of Product Manufacturer
Minnesota DOT
Delta S® Collaborative Aggregates LLC
Anova® 1815 Cargill, Inc.
Missouri DOT
Evoflex® CA Ingevity
Hydrogreen
Asphalt & Wax Innovations, LLC
(AWI) and Green Asphalt
Technologies, LLC
Wisconsin DOT Anova® 1815 Cargill, Inc.
Below is a summary description of the products directly obtained from the official webpages of the
manufacturers and they are solely for reference. The NRRA is not affiliated with any of the
manufacturers and does not endorse any of the products listed.
DELTA S®
https://collaborativeaggregates.com/about-delta-s/
“As a true rejuvenator, Delta S® returns the binder in recycled asphalt to its original functionality by
reversing the natural oxidation process that causes pavement to become brittle. The binder softens the
workability and then stiffens for durability and an undiminished lifespan. By restoring the binder in
recycled asphalt to its original performance, Delta S® allows RAP to be used in significantly higher
proportions. Test data concludes that 50% RAP rejuvenated with Delta S® has a comparable
performance and lifespan to 100% virgin asphalt.”
5
ANOVA® 1815
https://www.cargill.com/bioindustrial/anova/asphalt-rejuvenators
“In addition to shifting the PG grade of virgin bitumen, Anova® modifiers also rejuvenate RAP and RAS
restoring properties of aged bitumen, allowing for more versatility in mix designs.” This product “does
not negatively impact rutting resistance of rejuvenated RAP mixture” and it “enhances low temperature
cracking resistance of asphalt mixture, even at high RAP content”. Anova® rejuvenators also have “low
volatile organic compounds and low volatile mass loss (as measured by the Rolling Thin Film Oven).”
EVOFLEX® CA
https://www.ingevity.com/uploads/market-pdfs/EvoFlex-CA.pdf
Evoflex® CA is an “an engineered family of additives that allows greater use of reclaimed asphalt
materials.” This product is “designed to improve the contribution yield of binder from recycled
materials. Evoflex® CA additives also function as rejuvenators and offset the potential negative impact of
increasing the use of highly oxidized materials. Greater amounts of reclaimed products can be added
while Evoflex® CA maintains the flexibility and low-temperature crack resistance of the mix.”
HYDROGREEN
http://awi-gat.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/HYDROGREEN-BRIDGING-THE-GAP-BETWEEN-RAS-
AND-HMA-NOV-2-2013.pdf
Hydrogreen is a “liquid product added to the asphalt binder to re-disperse asphaltenes and counter the
stiffness of the RAP/RAS binders.” This product “successfully converts the high RAP/RAS asphaltene
proportion back to virgin binder qualities.”
2.1.3 Maximum Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP)
Allowed
Table 2.3 summarized the maximum RAS and RAP allowed as specified by each agency without
incorporating rejuvenators. These limits are defined in 2019 and may be revised and updated in the
future.
Without the incorporation of rejuvenators, the maximum amount of RAS and RAP allowed differ from
state to state. Some states do not allow the use of RAS in the asphalt mixtures while the Missouri DOT
only enables RAS in mixtures requiring a PG 64-22 contract grade. Other states have varying RAS limits
depending on asphalt grade or pavement lift.
As for the use of RAP, Michigan DOT allows a higher RAP percentage as long as blending charts have
been employed and all the volumetric testing requirements have been fulfilled. Other states have
6
varying ranges based on mixture type, asphalt grade, life type, or location of mixture placement
(mainline or shoulder).
Minnesota DOT has different requirements based on the asphalt grade and lift type. A PG 58X-34 (where
X represents the traffic level in accordance with the AASHTO M221, MSCR standard) requires a higher
ratio of added new asphalt binder to total asphalt binder, since this grade is commonly specified to be
used in new construction.
In addition to the limits summarized in Table 2.3, the Wisconsin DOT has different requirements for RAS,
RAP, and fractionated RAP (FRAP) when used in combination, which the maximum allowable binder
replacement is 35% for the lower layers and 25% for the upper layer. The RAS component cannot
exceed 5% of the total weight of the aggregate blend. In a Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) mixture, the
maximum allowable percent binder replacement from RAS, RAP, and FRAP in combination is 15%.
Table 2.3 Maximum content of RAS and RAP allowed without incorporating rejuvenators.
Agency Maximum RAS Allowed without the
Use of Rejuvenators
Maximum RAP Allowed without the
Use of Rejuvenators
Caltrans Currently not allowed but working to
include RAS in the mix in the future 25% binder replacement
Illinois DOT 5%
Varies with mixture type (45% Asphalt
Binder Replacement (ABR) on HMA
binder, 40% on HMA surface without
polymer, 15% with polymer)
Michigan DOT 17% by weight of the total binder
content
Not specifically limited but blending
charts required for higher amounts
and still must pass all volumetric
testing requirements
Minnesota DOT
20% to 30% of the total binder derived
from RAS depending on the asphalt
grade. Similar requirements apply to a
combination of RAS and RAP
20% to 35% of the total binder derived
from RAP depending on the asphalt
grade and lift type (wear and non-
wear)
Missouri DOT Only allowed in mixtures requiring a
PG 64-22 contract grade
Allows RAP up to 30% for high type
mixtures before extraction and
grading is required
7
Table 2.3 (continued). Maximum content of RAS and RAP allowed without incorporating rejuvenators.
Agency Maximum RAS Allowed without the
Use of Rejuvenators
Maximum RAP Allowed without the
Use of Rejuvenators
North Dakota DOT Not allowed
25% of the mix, by weight for mainline
and 35% of the mix, by weight for
shoulders
Wisconsin DOT
RAS if used alone, varies with
pavement lift (25% Asphalt Binder
Replacement (ABR) on lower layers,
20% ABR on upper layer)
RAP and fractionated RAP (FRAP) in
any combination, vary with pavement
lift (40% Asphalt Binder Replacement
(ABR) on lower layers, 25% ABR on
upper layer)
With the use of rejuvenators, the allowable contents of RAS and RAP do not differ for Caltrans, Michigan
DOT, and Missouri DOT. Other agencies have not specified the limits for RAS and RAP usage with the use
of rejuvenators.
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2.2 INDUSTRY RESPONSES
A summary of the responses received from the manufacturers on their rejuvenating products in 2019 is
provided (Table 2.4). The NRRA is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers and does not endorse any
of the products listed. Additional information on the manufacturers can be found in the Appendix A.
2.2.1 Type of Products
Asphalt & Wax Innovations, LLC (AWI) and Green Asphalt Technologies, LLC have manufactured
PAVSAVTM, which “high performance liquid chromatography shows that PAVSAVTM mimics the maltenes
phase of the asphalt binder and supplements the maltenes component to produce the performance
effects of rejuvenation, asphaltenes dispersion, viscosity reduction as well as improvement in low
temperature flexibility.”
Cargill, Inc. has manufactured Anova® 1815 additive, which is a chemically modified vegetable oil-based
product. MnROAD had test sections built in 2018 using this Anova® rejuvenator, with a combination of
25% and 45% RAP and PG 58S-28 virgin binder. The Anova® 1815 additive has also been used in a few
other projects in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and at the National Center for Asphalt Technology
(NCAT) in Alabama.
Collaborative Aggregates LLC has manufactured Delta S®, which returns the binder in recycled asphalt to
its original functionality by reversing the natural oxidation process that causes pavement to become
brittle. NCAT has performed work on performance-based mix designs containing high RAP (50%) content
utilizing Delta S® rejuvenator chemistry.
Georgia-Pacific Chemicals LLC has manufactured TUFFTREK 4002, which uses renewable oil technology.
This product has been used in the experimental sections that had 50% RAP aggregate (60% RAP binder
replacement) for a 2019 Nebraska Department of Transportation trial. This product has also been used
on other projects and trials in the US.
Ingevity has manufactured Evoflex® CA and this product has been used and approved by the City of
Chicago and the Illinois Tollway. This product can “effectively solubilizing the asphalt in recycled
materials, increasing the blending of the virgin and the oxidized binders. Mixes with high amounts of
recycled content made with Evoflex® CA have improved coating and workability with wide variety of
paving materials.”
POET, LLC has manufactured JIVETM, an asphalt rejuvenator and modifier. The unique composition of
JIVE as a result of POET’s patented technology, helps to disperse asphaltenes to prevent brittleness as
observed in higher RAP mixes and introduce components that improve asphalt durability. JIVETM has
been utilized in seventeen states across the US, in Canada, and overseas. NCAT published a study
evaluating the performance of high RAP binder and mixes using JIVETM as a rejuvenator. In addition,
multiple universities have or are evaluating JIVETM, including the currently ongoing ICT R27-196 study for
9
Illinois DOT. Multiple industrial partners and DOTs are trialing or commercially using JIVETM to allow
balanced mix design in high RAP mixes.
Table 2.4 Type of products from various manufacturers.
Manufacturer Type of Product Description
Asphalt & Wax Innovations, LLC
(AWI) and Green Asphalt
Technologies, LLC
PAVSAVTM
A renewable USA based
technology that is 100% Green and
produced from plant materials
Cargill, Inc. Anova® 1815 A chemically modified vegetable
oil-based product
Collaborative Aggregates LLC Delta S®
A non-toxic asphalt additive that
acts as a rejuvenator to recycled
asphalt binder and as a warm mix
additive to asphalt mixes
Georgia-Pacific Chemicals LLC TUFFTREK 4002
Utilizes renewable oil technology
and it is bio-based, renewable
resource
Ingevity Evoflex® CA
An environmentally friendly,
nontoxic solution to increasing the
amount of RAP and RAS
incorporated into mixes
POET, LLC JIVETM
Produced from 100% homegrown
American corn, it rejuvenates RAP
mixtures by restoring the aged
bitumen’s properties, allowing for
more flexibility in mix designs
10
2.2.2 Incorporation of Rejuvenators in Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) and Reclaimed
Asphalt Pavement (RAP)
All six rejuvenating products, which are PAVSAVTM, Anova® 1815, Delta S®, TUFFTREK 4002, Evoflex® CA,
and JIVETM, can be incorporated into RAS and RAP. The limits of percentage of RAS and RAP allowed
incorporating rejuvenators are on a project-by-project basis, which depend on the age of RAS and RAP,
binders used, sources of RAS and RAP, and other factors.
2.2.3 Performance Measurements
The performance testing provided by different manufacturers and suppliers was summarized as follows.
Testing has been conducted with and without aging and different parameters have been evaluated.
Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA)
Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR)
Disc-shaped Compact Tension (DCT) Test
Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR)
Dynamic Moduli Test
Elastic Modulus Test
Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT)
Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT)
Indirect Tensile (IDT) Test
Illinois Flexibility Index Test (I-FIT)
Overlay Tester (OT)
Semi Circular Bend (SCB) Test
2.2.4 Aging Information Provided by Manufacturers
Manufacturers stated that aging resistance of rejuvenators themselves (outside) bitumen is becoming
an area of focus globally as a potential flag for rejuvenators that do not perform well in long term aging.
The 40-hour Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) aging is not sufficient in determining aging resistance of most
rejuvenators other than re-refined engine oil bottoms (REOB). Multiple PAV – 60 hours of aging –
appears to be a key differentiator in identifying recycling aids that are susceptible to oxidation.
11
CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW
This section is intended to provide a brief synopsis on some of the key areas of asphalt mix rejuvenators.
It is provided as a starting point for future NRRA Flex Team projects and is not intended to replace more
comprehensive reviews (Epps Martin et al., 2017).
3.1 REJUVENATOR DOSAGE SELECTION
The study conducted by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) stated that the
typical industry practice is to follow the producer’s recommendation on the dosage and proportion of
the rejuvenator with respect to the base binder (Epps Martin et al., 2017). The Nebraska DOT and New
Jersey DOT in their studies had rejuvenators incorporated into the RAP mixtures based on the
manufacturer’s recommendation (Haghshenas et al., 2016; Bennert, Ericson, & Pezeshki, 2015).
However, Bennert, Ericson, and Pezeshki queried the recommended manufacturer’s dosage rate
applied, which is calculated from the percentage of recycled RAP or RAS with respect to the total weight
of the asphalt mixture (2015). In theory, the dosage rate should be determined from the virgin binder
with respect to the recycled binder in the mixture.
Epps Martin et al. emphasized the importance of determining an optimum rejuvenator dosage that
provides a good balance between cracking and rutting performance (2017). The recommended
approach to select rejuvenator dosages in the NCHRP study is increasing rejuvenator dosage without
sacrificing the high-temperature PG (rutting resistance). Blending charts can be used to determine the
limits of recycled materials and the balance between the recycled and base binders at selected
rejuvenator dosages.
Shen, Amirkhanian, and Miller in 2007 determined the dosage of rejuvenator needed to restore the RAP
binder to a condition similar to a virgin binder using the blending charts determined through Dynamic
Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR). This method of obtaining the optimum
dosage of rejuvenator has been validated since there were good correlations between the performance
and the rejuvenator dosage. As for the allowable percentage of RAP in the Superpave mixtures, it should
be noted that the limits are influenced by the properties of both the RAP binder and RAP aggregate, and
the ability to meet the requirements under the Superpave specifications.
Another study conducted by Lee, Mokhtari, and Williams in 2018 employed a similar method, in which
the Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests were performed to determine the optimum dosage of each
rejuvenator such that the low-temperature PG of PAV-aged (long-term aging) binder improves to be
equivalent to that of a virgin binder.
3.2 BLENDING METHOD
Blending of rejuvenator with the recycled mixtures is one of the important topics being discussed in this
literature review as it may affect the performance of rejuvenated mixes, either positively or adversely.
Haghshenas et al. suggested that depending on the type of blending procedures, the outcomes in
12
determining the effectiveness of a rejuvenator may be different (2016). Bennert, Ericson, and Pezeshki
(2015) added the rejuvenator directly to the heated binder promptly before the mixing and fabricating
of specimens. Later in the study, the authors stated that this pre-blending method of rejuvenator may
reduce the concentration of the rejuvenator and exhibit a diminished effectiveness since the
rejuvenated binder needs to coat the RAP and virgin aggregate.
Blending of the rejuvenator with the binder is an important aspect during construction as well.
Rejuvenator products have been added in several manners in previous projects including RAP stockpile
marinating, in-line blending at the HMA plant during production or blending at an asphalt terminal. In-
line blending of the rejuvenator adds the rejuvenator to the binder at the HMA plant and is similar to
the addition of a liquid warm mix asphalt (WMA) additive. Terminal blending provides the most control
in the mixing and dosage process but can introduce additional logistical challenges. Blending for field
construction has not been widely discussed in this Literature Review as most of the literature was
focused on laboratory testing.
3.3 EVALUATION OF REJUVENATED ASPHALT PERFORMANCE
3.3.1 Asphalt Laboratory Aging Protocol
Short-term aging on virgin asphalt binder is simulated using the Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) test
following AASHTO T240-94 (Lee, Mokhtari, & Williams, 2018; Epps Martin et al., 2017; Mohammadafzali
et al., 2017). A 20-hour Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) test following AASHTO R 28 is then performed on
the aged asphalt, which prior, has been subjected to short-term aging condition, to simulate long-term
aging (Lee, Mokhtari, & Williams, 2018). It was cited by Mohammadafzali et al. (2017) that a study
carried out in Florida assessed a 20-hour PAV to be comparable to 8 years of field aging. In the study
conducted by the NCHRP, an extended 40-hour PAV aging was conditioned on the binders (Epps Martin
et al., 2017). In order to simulate approximately 24 years of service, three PAV cycles (a total of 60
hours) were performed by Mohammadafzali et al. on the samples in addition to the RTFO (short-term)
aging.
As for mixture aging, Epps Martin et al. performed revisions to the aging protocols as stated in AASHTO
R 30 (2017). The aging processes include conducting short-term oven aging (STOA) on loose mix for 2
hours (standard STOA specified in AASHTO R 30 is 4 hours) at 135˚C prior to compaction and an
additional long-term oven aging (LTOA) on compacted specimens for 5 days at 85˚C. Bennert, Ericson,
and Pezeshki (2015) in the University of Massachusetts – Rutgers University study performed similar
LTOA protocols as Epps Martin et al., but with an extended STOA of 4 hours instead of 2 hours. The
NHCRP study concluded that a more extensive LTOA protocol (loose mix to be subjected at 95˚C or 135
˚C prior to compaction) is needed to simulate close to 7 to 10 years of field aging, which this window of
time is considered as when the pavements are most susceptible to cracking (Epps Martin et al., 2017).
Mohammadafzali et al. investigated the aging of rejuvenated asphalt binders compared with virgin
binders in 2017. Critical PAV time has been used to evaluate the recycling agent’s impact. Critical PAV
13
time is defined as the PAV aging time to increase the high-temperature PG from the virgin binder (70˚C
in this study) to 95˚C.
3.3.2 Asphalt Rheological Properties
Although the effectiveness of rejuvenation decreases with time, the rejuvenated binder blends showed
improvements in performance as compared to the control blend without rejuvenator added (Epps
Martin et al., 2017). Rheological parameters at intermediate temperatures in Black space and the
evolution of Glover-Rowe (G-R) parameter denote the aging and rejuvenating process. However,
another alternative parameter can be used to evaluate the balance between the recycled and base
binders, rejuvenator, and the effectiveness of rejuvenator (initially and with aging) is the crossover
temperature (Tδ=45˚C) obtained from the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) master curves. Crossover
temperature is defined as solid- to fluid-like transition temperature.
Performance grading of recovered asphalt binders can be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of
the rejuvenators (Bennert, Ericson, & Pezeshki, 2015). Carbonyl index and sulfoxide index of binders
obtained from Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy can be used to determine the degree of
oxidation, which a higher index dictates a higher degree of oxidation (Lee, Mokhtari, & Williams, 2018).
FTIR results showed that all rejuvenator types effectively reduce the degree of oxidation of aged asphalt
binder.
Chemical compositions of rejuvenated binders can be evaluated using the Saturates-Aromatics-Resins-
Asphaltenes (SARA) analysis. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has been used to determine the
nanoscopic surface properties of rejuvenated binders and the results proved that all rejuvenators
reduce the asphaltene contents in the binders.
3.3.3 Stiffness, Rutting, and Moisture Resistance
Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) indicated that although all the rejuvenators helped to soften the aged
binders at various degrees, they were not able to restore the properties of aged binders to those
resembling the virgin binder (Lee, Mokhtari, & Williams, 2018).
An Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) has been used to determine the rutting resistance of the asphalt
mixtures, which concluded that the rut depth of all rejuvenated recycled mixtures was lower than the
specified criteria (Shen, Amirkhanian, & Miller, 2007). Haghshenas et al. conducted dynamic creep test
and presented that the permanent deformation of recycled mixtures improves with the incorporation of
rejuvenators (2016).
Rutting performance has been evaluated using Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT) by the University
of Massachusetts – Rutgers University, in which the performance of rejuvenated mixtures falls between
the performance of the control mixture and RAP mixture without incorporating rejuvenator (Bennert,
Ericson, & Pezeshki, 2015). Overlay Tester and APA have also been performed on the rejuvenated
mixtures to evaluate the long-term performance of a rejuvenator. Overlay Tester results indicated that
14
the rejuvenators used may not exhibit stability when experiencing high temperature for a longer period
of time. APA results showed similar trends as the Overlay Tester, in which the effectiveness of the
rejuvenators diminishes with the increased hours of conditioning.
An Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) test has been employed to evaluate the bearing strength and moisture
susceptibility of the rejuvenated mixtures, which showed that rejuvenated mixtures with RAP perform
equally as virgin mixtures (Shen, Amirkhanian, & Miller, 2007). The University of Massachusetts –
Rutgers University evaluated the moisture resistance using HWTT. The results indicated the rejuvenated
mixtures have performance between control mixture and RAP mixture without rejuvenator (Bennert,
Ericson, & Pezeshki, 2015). Nonetheless, findings from Semi-Circular Bend (SCB) test showed that
recycled mixtures with rejuvenators experience reduced moisture resistance (Haghshenas et al, 2016).
3.3.4 Reflective, Fatigue, and Low-Temperature Cracking Performance
Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy (Cryo-SEM) has been employed to quantify the fractured surfaces of
both aged and rejuvenated binders formed at -165˚C, which results showed that the surface of
rejuvenated binders has remarkably less amounts of cracking than that of aged binders (Lee, Mokhtari,
& Williams, 2018).
A Flexural Beam Fatigue test performed by NJDOT showed that at higher strain levels, rejuvenated
mixtures perform better than RAP mixtures without rejuvenators (Bennert, Ericson, & Pezeshki, 2015).
Similar fatigue tests were conducted by the University of Massachusetts – Rutgers University using
different types of rejuvenators and a majority of the rejuvenated mixtures portrayed an improvement in
fatigue resistance.
The Overlay Tester conducted by NJDOT showed that RAP mixtures with rejuvenator generally
performed better than RAP mixtures without rejuvenator (Bennert, Ericson, & Pezeshki, 2015).
Rejuvenators proved to be capable of providing continuous fatigue resistance even after extended hours
of aging (LTOA).
The University of Massachusetts – Rutgers University tested the mixtures using the Thermal Stress
Restrained Specimen Test (TSRST) device, but with the specimens compacted using Superpave gyratory,
to determine the cracking behavior of mixtures at low-temperature (Bennert, Ericson, & Pezeshki,
2015). The low-temperature cracking susceptibilities of the RAP mixtures with rejuvenators are
enhanced when compared to both the control mixtures and the RAP mixtures without rejuvenators. The
performances of RAP mixtures with rejuvenators were relatively similar for both STOA and LTOA, which
indicate that further aging did not cause a notable effect on the low cracking temperature with the
incorporation of rejuvenators.
Lee, Mokhtari, and Williams performed Disc-shaped Compact Tension (DCT) tests to evaluate the low-
temperature cracking performance of the rejuvenated asphalt mixtures (2018). DCT results verified that
rejuvenators when applied at optimum dosage rates to high RAP mixtures help to enhance their low-
temperature cracking properties. Mohammadafzali et al., 2007 evaluated the low-temperature
15
properties of the recycled binder blends through the Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) test in terms of m-
values. Results from the BBR test showed that the type and dosage of the rejuvenator are two important
criteria that affect the low-temperature characteristic of recycled binders.
3.3.5 Field Study
Test sections constructed in Iowa (Lee, Mokhtari, & Williams, 2018) showed that rejuvenated asphalt
mixtures with high RAP have better low-temperature cracking resistance. Yet the rejuvenators did not
provide any improvements in the moisture susceptibility and rutting resistance, some samples even
experienced stripping, according to the findings from Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT).
Five test sections were built in Texas to verify the proposed mix design method, which involves choosing
appropriate recycling agents based on the recycled binders (Zhou, 2018). Next, the dosage ranges of
each recycling agent are evaluated through the binder tests. The last step in the proposed mix design
method is to establish the optimum dosages of the recycling agents through mixture tests. The HWTT
was conducted to measure the rutting resistance and the Texas Overlay test was performed to
determine the cracking resistance of all the mixes. Performance of test sections was not disclosed in the
paper. There has been limited information on field performance included in this Literature Review as
most of the literature available was focused on laboratory testing.
16
REFERENCES
Al-Qadi, I. L., Elseifi, M., & Carpenter, S. H. (2007). Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement – A Literature Review.
Springfield, IL: Illinois Department of Transportation. Retrieved from
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.390.3460&rep=rep1&type=pdf
Asphalt Institute. (2015). MS-2 Asphalt Mix Design Methods (7th ed.). Lexington, KY: Asphalt Institute.
Retrieved from https://bookstore.asphaltinstitute.org/catalog/book/ms-2-asphalt-mix-design-methods
Asphalt & Wax Innovations, LLC. (AWI) and Green Asphalt Technologies, LLC. (2017). PAVSAV
Rejuvenator. Pass Christian, MS: AWI and Green Asphalt Technologies. Retrieved from http://awi-
gat.com/pavsav-rejuvenator/
Bennert, T., Ericson, C., & Pezeshki, D. (2015). Rejuvenating Agents with RAP in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA),
Revised Report. Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Department of Transportation. Retrieved from
https://www.nj.gov/transportation/business/research/reports/FHWA-NJ-2015-008.pdf
Cargill, Inc. (2019). Asphalt Rejuvenators. Wayzata, MN: Cargill, Inc. Retrieved from
https://www.cargill.com/bioindustrial/anova/asphalt-rejuvenators
Collaborative Aggregates LLC. (2017). Delta S Sales Sheet. Wilmington, MA: Collaborative Aggregates
LLC. Retrieved from http://collaborativeaggregates.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Coll_Agg_Delta-
S_Sheet_11-2-17_E-small.pdf
Collaborative Aggregates LLC. (2018). PG and Viscosity of Rejuvenated Recycled Binder. Wilmington, MA:
Collaborative Aggregates LLC. Retrieved from https://collaborativeaggregates.com/wp-
content/uploads/2018/03/Delta-S_PG_Viscocity_3-29-2018_resize_letter-size_WEB.pdf
Epps Martin, A., Arambula-Mercado, E., Kaseer, F., Cucalon, L. G., Yin, F., Chowdhury, A., Epps, J., Glover,
C., Hajj, E., Norian, N., Pournoman, S., Daniel, J., Rahbar-Rastegra, R., & King, G. (2017). The Effects of
Recycling Agents on Asphalt Mixtures with High RAS and RAP Binder Ratios (NCHRP 9-58 Phase II Revised
Interim Report). Washington, D.C.: National Cooperative Highway Research Program. Retrieved from
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/docs/NCHRP09-58_PhII_DraftInterimReport.pdf
Green Asphalt Technologies, LLC. (2013). Hydrogreen Bridging the Gap between RAS and HMA. Pass
Christian, MS: Green Asphalt Technologies, LLC. Retrieved from http://awi-gat.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/11/HYDROGREEN-BRIDGING-THE-GAP-BETWEEN-RAS-AND-HMA-NOV-2-
2013.pdf
Haghshenas, H. F., Nabizadeh, H., Kim, Y-R., & Santosh, K. (2016). Research on High-RAP Asphalt
Mixtures with Rejuvenators and WMA Additives. Lincoln, NE: Nebraska Department of Roads. Retrieved
from https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/31604
17
Ingevity. (2017). RAP in Missouri Reaches New Level. North Charleston, SC: Ingevity. Retrieved from
https://www.ingevity.com/behind-the-screed/rap-in-missouri-reaches-new-levels/
Ingevity. (n.d.). Maximizing Recycled Binder Performance. North Charleston, SC: Ingevity. Retrieved from
https://www.ingevity.com/uploads/market-pdfs/EvoFlex-CA.pdf
Lee, H., Mokhtari, A., & Williams, C. (2018). Development of Quality Standards for Inclusion of High
Recycled Asphalt Pavement Content in Asphalt Mixtures – Phase III. Ames, IA: Iowa Department of
Transportation. Retrieved from http://publications.iowa.gov/27885/1/TR-
693_Final%20Report_Development%20of%20Quality%20Standards%20for%20Inclusion%20of%20High
%20Recycled%20Asphalt.pdf
Mohammadafzali, M., Ali, H., Musselman, J. A., Sholar, G. A., & Rilko, W. A. (2017). Aging of Rejuvenated
Asphalt Binders. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering. doi.org/10.1155/2017/8426475
POET, LLC. (2020). JIVETM A Product by POET. Sioux Falls, SD: POET, LLC. Retrieved from
https://www.jivebypoet.com/why-jive
Shen, J., Amirkhanian, S., & Miller, J. A. (2007). Effects of Rejuvenating Agents on Superpave Mixtures
Containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering © ASCE 19(5), 376–
384. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2007)19:5(376)
Willis, R., & Tran, N. H. (2015). Rejuvenators: Bring Life Back to Aging Asphalt Binder. Asphalt Pavement,
20(4), 36-41. Retrieved from http://collaborativeaggregates.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/07/Asphalt_Pavement_Mag_Rejuvenators_Artcl.pdf
Wisconsin Department of Transportation. (2020). Standard Specifications for Highway and Structure
Construction. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved from
https://wisconsindot.gov/rdwy/stndspec/ss-00-10.pdf
Zhou, F. (2018). Balanced RAP-RAS-Recycling Agent Mix Design for Project-Specific Conditions.
Transportation Research Circular (Number E-C237), 44-59. Retrieved from
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec237.pdf
APPENDIX A: CONTACT INFORMATION OF MANUFACTURERS
A-1
CONTACT INFORMATION OF MANUFACTURERS
The NRRA is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers nor endorse any of the products listed in this
synthesis. However, if interested in learning more on the products, the contacts of manufacturers that
have provided information on their products to be included in this synthesis can be found below.
ASPHALT & WAX INNOVATIONS, LLC (AWI) AND GREEN ASPHALT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Product: PAVSAVTM
Name: Terry Naidoo
Email: [email protected]
CARGILL, INC.
Product: Anova® 1815
Name: Hassan Tabatabaee, Ph. D.
Email: [email protected]
COLLABORATIVE AGGREGATES LLC
Product: Delta S®
Name: Steven Wallace
Email: [email protected]
GEORGIA-PACIFIC CHEMICALS LLC
Product: TUFFTREK 4002
Name: Ryan Lynch
Email: [email protected]
INGEVITY
Product: Evoflex® CA
Name: Jonathan MacIver
Email: [email protected]
POET, LLC
Product: JIVETM
Name: Alex McCurdy, Ph. D.
Email: [email protected]